Ordained Minister and Business Owner Wants To Be Mayor

The 33 year old business owner running for mayor thinks Saint John's pension crisis needs to be dealt with first.

Matthew Thompson tells CHSJ News part of the solution is finding ways to keep the pension going.

He says we must deal with the pension deficit that gives an immediate resolution and there are still ideas that haven't been explored.

Thompson is an ordained minister who owns two businesses including a construction company.

Body Of Missing Blacks Harbour Fisherman Found

Foul play is not suspected in the death of a 50 year old Blacks Harbour man who didn't come home from a fishing trip.

Last night about 10:30, St. George RCMP received a report of a sport fisherman who failed to return home.


Ralph Bradley Ramsey had left his home early in the morning to go fishing in the Bonny River area.

The Mounties found his body about 120 metres from his truck next to a canoe.
An autopsy has been ordered.

Coastal Transport To Provide Fundy Isles Ferry Service

The province announcing a 15 year agreement worth more than 13 million dollars with Coastal Transport of Saint John to operate and maintain the ferries serving the Fundy Isles including Deer Island.


Transportation Minister Claude Williams says at Deer Island, Coastal Transport will taking on most of the employees adding efforts will be made to reassign remaining staff with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Coastal Transport already operates the Grand Manan and White Head ferries under the Fundy Isles Ferry Service with the company taking over the ferry service officially as of May 28th.

A new $4.7-million ferry is expected to be in operation for Deer Island in 2014.

Rinehart Opens Campaign HQ

Councillor-at-large candidate Shelley Rinehart opening up her campaign headquarters in Brunswick Square today.

She tells CHSJ News the fiscal sustainability of the city is paramount and there are two key things that have to be dealt with: our debt and find other sources of revenue.

She says she won't promises she cannot keep and the city has to live within its means.

An Empty Storefront On King Street Is A Concern

At the end of next month, Pictures Plus on King Street will be joining the Bargain Shop as empty storefronts.


Uptown Saint John General Manager Peter Asimakos tells CHSJ News they are looking for options for that building as they focus on the area surrounding King Square.

He says it'll take a bit of an effort to to work with the landlord and explore possible uses at least for the ground floor adding a vacant space of that size is a concern.

As for the municipal election, Asimakos hopes the new council is full of people with diverse backgrounds.

Ferguson Facing Many Accusations At Trial

Former Common Councillor John Ferguson has been accused of acting with reckless disregard of the truth by Pension Board lawyer Barry Morrison with his criticisms of how the city's pension plan was being administered.

Ferguson told the jury he stands by his statements and events have proven him to be correct. Morrison accused him of attacking Pension Board trustees but Ferguson claims he made no accusations against the Pension Board but wanted senior city staff members, who were on the board, to step back from giving advice to Common Council about the pension plan.

Morrison also accused Ferguson of having an agenda which he denied.

Morrison and Ferguson clashed frequently during the cross examination about what exactly the former Common Councillor understood about the city's pension plan when he was raising his concerns.

Morrison is accusing Ferguson of wanting to portray himself as the saviour of Saint John taxpayers who would uncover wrong doing on the part of the Pension Board. Ferguson disagreed with that characterisation but added he felt we were in a bad way and was seeking solutions to the pension shortfall.

Collision Between Car And Bike In Valley

Rothesay Regional Police are investigating a collision between a bicyclist and car on Millenium Drive last night.

They report a group of four cyclists were travelling on Millennium Drive when a car travelling in the same direction pulled out to pass them.

 One of the bikes was hit causing the cyclist driving behind him to fall. The victim suffered injuries to his face, legs, arms and hip.

Police are reminding drivers to make every effort to accommodate bicyclists when they are on the road but bicyclists should be wearing all proper safety equipment and reflective clothing when riding at night.

John Ferguson Defamation Trial

Police In K-V Warn Of New Drug

A new designer drug called “Bath salts” has made an appearance in the Kennebecasis Valley. 

That word from Rothesay Regional Police who warn the drug is highly addictive and the dangers are very similar to those of methamphetamine.

Users become agitated, suffer from paranoia, hallucinations, chest pains, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, self-mutilation,  eventually excited delirium and perhaps even cardiac arrest.
 
More than 800 pills were seized after a drug raid on Golden Grove Road. They were analysed by Health Canada and found to contain the stimulant "bath salts".

Home Invasion And Robbery

City Police are investigating a home invasion and robbery which took place at an undisclosed location on the west side late last night. 

There were no injuries and police emphasise it's an isolated incident.

Lawyer Accuses Ferguson of Surprise Attacks

A campaign of negativity—that's what pension board lawyer Barry Morrison deemed John Ferguson's dealings with the pension board. Morrison accused Ferguson of ignoring procedure, launching surprise attacks, and refusing advice from from senior staff.

He further said John Ferguson was a publicity junkie and trying to get exposure by chasing after pension obligation bonds, even though he knew they were illegal.

Ferguson said he didn't approach his fellow councillors for information because while it might look like can speak freely, it's actually more complex. He described Councillor Chris Titus as distant, and Ivan Court as unapproachable due to conflict over the LNG.

John Ferguson was at times taciturn in his responses, prompting Morrison to remark, “You don't seem to have a very good track record--you say you haven't understood the last 5 documents I've put to you.” Later, he said Ferguson has a habit of twisting words when  it suits him.

Local Anti-Shale Gas Group Shocked At License Renewal

Hampton Water First, a group that has been critical against shale gas development, is shocked and disappointed with the Natural Resources Minister.

Minister Bruce Northrup says he is legally obligated to grant a five-year lease to Windsor Energy to explore for shale gas, even though he tried to have the company charged last year for conducting testing in Sussex and along a highway within Quispamsis town limits without the consent of either town council.

The minister says the Calgary-based company fulfilled all the commitments set out under their previous three-year license granted by the previous government.

Chris Rendell tells CHSJ News Minister Northrup has said time and time again to trust him with shale gas file but this latest development shows the province's lack of control over shale gas development.

He believes it reveals Northurp's lack of willingness to enforce existing regulations.

Rendell says our province needs to address 3 key items if it wants to retain control -- strong regulations, a willingness to enforce them, and expertise within government to get it done.

Hanson Says Voters Want A Choice In Rothesay

The longtime mayor of Rothesay finds himself in a race this time around with Kathryn Hanson running against him for the job.

The corporate project manager tells CHSJ News she believes she can do the job.

She says her candidacy is an advertising success for the provincial government who asked for more candidates specifically women and she is answering that challenge.

She says in talking to Rothesay youth, they want more recreation options and are also concerned about potholes.

HDC Says Voter Literacy Needs To Improve

The Human Development Council is giving a thumbs up to the SJ Votes committee.

The group will be helping people in the priority neighbourhoods get out to the ballot box.

Randy Hatfield is the Executive Director of the Human Development Council and he tells CHSJ News while it's important to get voters out, improving voter literacy is crucial as well.

He believes there is a lot of confusion on the various levels of government and what its responsibilities are.

He says SJ Votes will improve voter literacy but more needs to be done.

Provincial Pension Reforms Coming In 6 Months

It's not just the city that is dealing with pension woes -- Finance Minister Blaine Higgs says the province is planning on making adjustments soon to get rid of its pension deficit

He tells CHSJ News the deficit is about 30 million dollars a year and reforms will be taken soon.

He says the province will roll out a new plan in 6 months that will both protect employees and be fair to the public.

Ferguson Accused of Going Negative For Selfish Motives

Former Common Councillor John Ferguson and Pension Board lawyer Barry Morrison clashed at the defamation trial.

Ferguson testified no one at Common Council asked him who on the Pension Board told him disability was being approved improperly with taxpayers in the city being laughed at.

When Morrison suggested the conversation with Pension Board trustee David Gould was complete fiction, Ferguson disagreed saying his fellow Council members just dismissed what he had to say as if they didn't care but there was talk of having to significantly raise the tax rate because of the pension plan's debt.

Ferguson admits he was intimidated when he found out the Pension Board was going to launch the defamation lawsuit against him and he was reluctant to say anymore about the pension plan but considered it too important.

Morrison is suggesting Ferguson was laying in wait to launch an attack on senior city staff about the pension plan and misled his fellow Council members. Ferguson denied that claiming he wanted consensus when seeking outside legal advice. Morrison charged Ferguson didn't give a hoot about the city but was only concerned with his own selfish interests and a plan to go negative.

Former NATO Employee Running in Ward 3

Ward 3 candidate Pat McCaffrey says he's got the administrative chops to turn the city's financial mess around McCaffrey tells CHSJ News he's spent his career as a military lawyer, and worked for NATO in information management and financial control. 

He tells CHSJ News complaining isn't enough, because there are enough people out there criticizing but not getting involved.

His vision for the city emphasizes fiscal responsibility, because that's the only way we can achieve major objectives like solving the pension deficit, better roads, and safe drinking water.

McCaffrey is one of 7 candidates running in Ward 3.

John Ferguson Defamation Trial

Gourmet Chip Fans Rejoice

Like gourmet chips? Good news---there could be a lot more of them in the province. The Covered Bridge Chip Company getting a total of $342,000 boost from the federal and provincial governments.

The chip factory is a tourist destination and does neat varieties like chipotle, lime, and sweet potato.

The money will go toward modernizing the facility and increasing its production capacity.

Saint Johnner Who Played In NHL Sent To Prison

A 52 year old Somerset Street man who played briefly in the NHL has been sentenced to prison after being arrested with cocaine near Grand Bay Westfield over the weekend.

Brian Johnson played for 3 games with the Detroit Red Wings back in 1983. He been sentenced to four years in prison for possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, dangerous driving and failing to stop for police.

Johnson was nabbed transporting half a kilogram of cocaine into the city from Montreal. The cocaine has an estimated street value of 32 thousand dollars.

Members of the Saint John Police Department and the RCMP arrested Johnson after a short high speed chase during which he lost control of the car. It rolled over before landing back on its wheels.

New Tax Credits Can Save You Some Cash

There are some new tax credits this year that you may not be aware of -- that helpful hint from Ann LaFrance with Bren Tax.

She tells CHSJ News there is now an art credit worth 5-hundred dollars per child and can be applied to activities and ballet.

She says other credits people can miss include co-payments to insurance companies, eyeglasses, prescriptions, and dental.

There is also a disability tax credit for those with a long term illness.  If a child is sick, you can also get more child tax benefit.

Cronyism & "Crowbar Hotel" Featured at Ferguson Trial

You blew your chance investigate the pension board. That from lawyer Barry Morrison cross-examining John Ferguson. Ferguson has testified trustee David Gould privately told him the pension board's activities resembled drinking and driving.

Morrison said if Gould did make the comments, "he must have been pretty stupid to admit criminal and civil liability. He wasn't just heading to the crow bar hotel himself, he was sending eleven other people there with him” Ferguson says he saw the drinking and driving comparison as a flippant response and he didn't need to tell council because they already knew the problems.

The pension board lawyer also alluded to cronyism on Ferguson's part, asking, “You and Common Councillor Bill Farren were good buddies, weren't you?” Morrison suggested Ferguson only supported certain motions because of his friendship with Farren even when he knew they made no sense.

Wash and Cook Fiddleheads Thoroughly

The Chief Medical Officer of health wants you to make sure you wash your fiddleheads and cook them long enough.

Dr. Eilish Cleary tells CHSJ News it is unknown exactly what causes this temporary illness caused by fiddleheads but, Health Canada believes that it is most likely the result of an unidentified natural toxin present in the fiddlehead.

Cleary adds symptoms of illness appear within 30 minutes to 12 hours of eating raw or undercooked fiddleheads and typically last for less than 24 hours but may last as long as three days. 

Symptoms may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and headaches.

Fiddleheads can be boiled for 15 minutes or steamed for 10 to 12 minutes and the water used for boiling or steaming fiddleheads should be thrown out as it may contain the toxin.

For more more info: Click here

Old West Side Co-Op Building Demolished

The Old West Side Co-Op building on Fairville Boulevard has been knocked down to make way for a new business-Princess Auto.

New Citizen Excited To Vote

Meanwhile, Alexy Guerrero will be a first time voter in the upcoming election.

She tells CHSJ News she is from Columbia and received her citizenship back in January.

She is looking forward to exercising her right as a new citizen and wants to elect someone who will work for the community.

She says voting will help get her involved in the community.

Priority Neighbourhood Voters Will Get Help On Election Day

The Saint John Votes committee wants residents in the priority neighbourhoods to come out and vote in the upcoming municipal election.

Brenda Murphy is the Chair of SJ Votes and she tells CHSJ News elected officials may not give those neighbourhoods the attention it deserves if the turnout is low.

She says voter turnout improves in those neighbourhoods, it sends a strong message that residents are engaged and want to see public officials respond to their needs.

SJ Votes will help get people out to the ballot box by helping arrange transportation and child care on election day.

She says full details will be released in the coming weeks.

Saint Johner Nabs ECMA for Best Gospel

At the ECMAS, local boy Mike Biggar scoring Gospel Recording of the Year for his Christmas record, The Season, which came out last year.

Biggar tells CHSJ News he loves his hometown and it's a privilege to represent Saint John in the music scene. He cites Chris Cummings (who does a duet with Biggar on his next record) and Dean Brody as some of his favourite local country stars, although he's also a fan of Journey and Foreigner.

Biggar is working on a country album with his band, The Big Country Breakfast to be released in June. He says he's glad the ECMAs have rolled out a country music showcase because country is such a big part of life in the Maritimes.

For more information on Mike Biggar's music, visit his site here.

Greenthumbs Can Prepare Now

The green thumbs in greater Saint Johner are itching to get planting now that spring has sprung but it's a little early for that.


Peter Cantley is the Vice-President of Floral and Gardening for the Loblaw group--parent company for the Superstore and Save Easy.  He tells CHSJ News there are things eager gardeners can do now.

He says as soon as you can get on your lawn without leaving a footprint due to moisture, gardeners can start with light raking to get the grass to stand up and remove debris.

He says often people use this time of year to enhance the soil by mixing manure and compost into their flower beds to get them ready for planting.

Ferguson Tells Court Pension Board Prompted Him To Move Away

Former Common Councillor John Ferguson has begun to be cross examined at his defamation trial.

Ferguson told the court he knew it was a long shot when he ran for Mayor in 2008 but felt a weight being lifted off his shoulders when he lost because of the pension plan's financial problems. 

The court was also told the Pension Board put a lien on Ferguson's home in the city and that's why he and his wife decided to move away. He's now the Town Manager in St. Stephen.

The lawyer for the Pension Board began his cross examination of Ferguson by questioning him about his math skills, asking him to multiply 52 times 11 and accused him of craving attention.

Lawyer Barry Morrison questioned Ferguson about the Free Ferguson tee shirt making the rounds and about rallies being held in his support. Ferguson testified he has no knowledge of either and denies being a publicity hound.

He also told the court no one asked him to serve on the Pension Board. Morrison accused Ferguson of wanting to set up a shadow pension board.

National Volunteer Appreciation Week

Volunteers getting some love for their hard work: April 15-21 is national volunteer appreciation week.

Eileen McLaughlin of the Saint John Volunteer Center tells CHSJ News it doesn't take much to show your appreciation--simply a letter of appreciation can say a lot.

Various organizations are holding luncheons and awards ceremonies to mark the observance. According to McLaughlin, tens of thousands of New Brunswickers give back to the community as volunteers.

Manley To Speak At CMHA Fundraiser

Olympic silver medalist Elizabeth Manley will detail her battle with depression at the "A Day In Her Shoes" fundraiser.


Dawn O'Dell, Executive Director for the Saint John chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association, tells CHSJ News the event is working to erase that stigma still attached to mental illness.

She says since it began 5 years ago they have met many people in the community who have come forward seeking assistance with mental health so it is working to break down those barriers.

"A Day In Her Shoes" is coming up May 9th in the Market Square atrium.
For more info, click here

John Ferguson Defamation Trial

Warning To Drivers About Delays

Starting today, there will be traffic delays at the Fox Farm Road Overpass. This is in the area of Exit 133, which is the exit to and from Rothesay. 

Barrier walls will be removed from the overpass and replaced, with work scheduled to conclude on June 15th of this year.

Construction will be taking place from Monday through Saturday.

Mulcair Speaks Out On Pipeline Idea

Construction of a pipeline to bring oil from Alberta to Saint John getting the thumbs up from Federal NDP leader Thomas Mulcair who made a stop in the city over the weekend to speak to the provincial party's convention. 

Mulcair says right now people in this part of the country are paying more than they should for oil and we're losing out on tens of thousands of jobs.
 

On the other hand,Mulcair has come out against hydraulic fracturing which comes with shale gas exploration.

The Conservation Council of New Brunswick is opposed to the idea of the pipeline.

Alward Government Accused Of Bowing To Wishes Of Big Business

It's no secret Enbridge Gas is not happy with proposed changes to the natural gas regulations being proposed by the Alward Government which has been seeking public feedback. 

Enbridge General Manager Dave Charleson tells CHSJ News it appears the province is caving in to the demands of the big users.
 
Both Ganongs and J-D Irving have been saying what they pay for natural gas places them at a competitive disadvantage.

While conceding the price of natural gas is too high for his liking, Charleson points out they're still paying less than if they had to use oil.

Rothesay Makes Commitment To Curbside Recycling

Rothesay wants to institute curbside recycling next year.

Mayor Bill Bishop concedes the province isn't willing just yet to fully fund it but he tells CHSJ News the cost isn't much money than it is now.

Bishop claims it would be better for the environment because more people, especially seniors, would likely get into recycling if it were made more convenient.

Town Councillor Scott Cochrane is reluctant to make a firm commitment now because he doesn't want to tie the hands of the incoming Council.

Province Will Focus On Six Sectors For Job Creation

Finance Minister Blaine Higgs firing back at the Opposition Liberals for saying the province is in a job-creation crisis.

Higgs tells CHSJ News details of the economic plan will be revealed in the coming weeks and it will discuss the six sectors that the province will focus on.

He says all of the economic indicators show a slow economy but there are some signs of change ahead.

He adds the government is not going to say that a certain number of jobs will be created because there are too many factors at play.

NDP Leaders Outline Their Vision

Federal NDP leader Thomas Mulcair making his first visit to Saint John since assuming the leadership. He told the provincial NDP convention about his goal to win in the province and elsewhere, saying New Brunswick is the province he's visited the most.

Meanwhile, the provincial NDP leader Dominic Cardy saying the NDP will topple the Tories and Grits by appealing to the working class. Cardy gave a rousing speech in which he claimed Liberals and Conservatives don't care about ordinary folks.

The NDP convention is being  held at the Delta until Sunday, and was concerned with the party's economic strategy, shale gas,and job creation.

Wild Animals Running Around Rothesay

Only in Canada---Rothesay Regional Police reporting am unusual number of animal calls lately. Last (Saturday) night around suppertime police receiving two calls about a moose wandering around the Henderson park area off Hampton Road and heading toward the commons. According to the callers it was a younger animal and seemed confused.

Corporal Cantelo of the RRPF tells us in his 25 years he's only heard of calls about moose in residential areas a few times.

This (Sunday) morning the Rothesay police also had to deal with a deer caught in a gate, and last week there reports of a bear wandering around in French Village.

It's advised to keep your distance when dealing with wildlife.

Major Fire in the South End

A 101 year old woman had to be rescued from her home after a major early  morning blaze on Exmouth Street.

Fire officials responding to the call around 1:30am and remained on the scene for 5 hours. A 3 storey building with 2 units in it was destroyed.

Despite the extensive damage to the building no one was hurt. The senior citizen who was rescued was taken to the Regional Hospital for observation.

Cardy Slams Provincial Liberals

As the provincial liberals call for an economic summit and accuse the Conservatives of not doing enough for job creation, Provincial NDP Leader Dominic Cardy fires back saying they need to get their facts in order--because they shouldn't be talking about having a summit until they've actually engaged in a sustained development plan.

Cardy says a summit is just icing on the cake--what's more important is an actual plan to get things accomplished. He says the New Democrats are a constructive opposition who's been doing more than just talking about creating new jobs, and looking at best practices internationally. Further, Cardy says the liberals just want to perpetuate the cycle of patronage that keeps them in business.

Driver Gets Huge Fine in Rothesay

A driver has a big bill to pay after speeding through a construction zone on Highway 1 near Rothesay at 150 kilometres an hour--80 kilometres above the posted limit.

RCMP, Rothesay Regional Police and the Province's Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers snagging the leadfoot in a blitz on Highway 1 near Rothesay on Thursday.

67 speeding tickets and 15 tickets for not wearing a seatbelt were handed out over the two day blitz.

Former Councillor Felt "Handcuffed" Once Defamation Lawsuit Began

Common Councilor John Ferguson says once the city's pension board started initiated a defamation lawsuit against him, he found it extremely difficult tackle his issues with pension plan.

He said he felt handcuffed as a councillor once legal proceedings began and any questions he had about the pension plan got tied up in legal issues.

He says he was shocked that the board was suing him for defamation.

Ferguson also told the court that his criticisms towards the pension plan and early retirement packages were aimed at council and not the pension board as it is council that approves policy.

It's A Race For Mayor Here Too

Interesting races are shaping up in the outskirts this year where the Mayors of Quispamsis, Rothesay and Hampton could change and the Mayor of Sussex will definitely be a new face.

Kathyrn Hanson is challenging Bill Bishop for mayor in Rothesay and Beth Fitzpatrick is going up against incumbant Murray Driscoll in Quispamsis.

Current Sussex Mayor Ralph Carr is running as a councillor so Shelley Bradley or Marc Thorne will be the new face of Dairytown.

It's a two man race of Mayor in Hampton between Hugh Baird and Ken Chorley.
For more info, click here for Sussex. 

Click here for Hampton.

Click here for Rothesay.

Click here  for Quispamsis.

Investigators Look Into Inteplast Blaze

A fire in the ventilation system at the Inteplast Bag and Film Corporation had crews busy over the lunch hour.
 
District Fire Chief Joe Armstrong tells CHSJ News the call came in as a fire alarm activation but was upgraded to a structure fire.

The fire was attacked from the roof and knocked down.
He says investigators are on scene and it appears the fire began in a peice of machinery which caused plastic and other debris to catch on fire.

Armstrong says the building was evacuated when they arrived the company has a fire marshall on site and a good fire plan.

A Large & Diverse Group Aims To Lead Saint John

It's a diverse and full field of candidates in the Port City hoping to take part in Monday night council meetings.

Four men hope to be the Mayor including incumbant Ivan Court, Mel Norton, Matt Thompson and Joe Callaghan.

6 people are vying for the Councillors at Large positions:  Shelley Rinehart, John Campbell, Shirley McAlary, Mary Ellen Carpenter, Mike Sheppard and Jason Robertson.

Ward 3 incumbant Donnie Snook will be on the ballot after all and be campaigning against Chris Belyea, Allen Leslie, Patrick McCaffrey, Donna Reardon and a familliar name-Albert Vincent.  Graeme Stewart-Robertson has switched from the Mayor's race to Ward 3.

Ward 1 incumbants Bill Farren and Peter McGuire are re-offering and battling Blake Armstrong, Ed Hoyt, Greg Norton and Al Vienneau.

Ward 2 has Susan Fullerton, Morgan Lanigan, John MacKenzie along with incumbants Patty Higgins and Gary Sullivan.
Four new faces hope to represent Ward 4, Mark Leblanc, David Merrithew, Ray Strowbridge and Scott Wadell.

To see the list, click here

Weston Confirms Closure Of SJ Immigration Office

By June 1st, the Federal immigration office in Saint John will be closed.     Saint John and Moncton's offices are being consolidated into one office in Fredericton due to cuts coming down from Ottawa.
 
Saint John MP Rodney Weston tells CHSJ News he disagrees with Councillor at Large candidate John Campbell's assessment that this move will hinder development in Saint John.

He suggests the candidate should contact his office directly to talk about the situation because the immigration centre here did not see clients.

Weston says the June closure of the Saint John office will impact four employees.

Candidates Come For Forward As Deadline Nears

Are you in or are you out?  That's the question as the deadline passes for candidates hoping to run in the municipal election.

Here in Saint John, it's a four way race for Mayor with Ivan Court, Mel Norton, Matt Thompson and Joe Callaghan.

6 people are vying for the Councillors at Large positions:  Shelley Rinehart, John Campbell, Shirley McAlary, Mary Ellen Carpenter, Mike Sheppard and Jason Robertson.

Ward 3 incumbant Donnie Snook will be on the ballot after all and be campaigning against Christie Belyea, Allen Leslie, Patrick McCaffrey, Donna Reardon and a familliar name from years gone by, Albert Vincent. 
As he promised, Graeme Stewart-Robertson has switched from the Mayor's race to seeking a seat in Ward 3.

Ward 1 incumbants Bill Farren and Peter McGuire would like their seats back, they will be battling Blake Armstrong, Ed Hoyt, Greg Norton and Al Vienneau.

Ward 2 has Susan Fullerton, Morgan Lanigan, John MacKenzie along with incumbants Patty Higgins and Gary Sullivan.

In East Saint John, four new faces hope to represent Ward 4: Mark Leblanc, David Merrithew, Ray Strowbridge and Scott Wadell.

For more info, click here

Q-Plex To Host One Of Its Largest Events

Its a first for the Q-Plex with Valley Expo this weekend and it's being described as one of the largest events to be staged there.

Denise Miller of Master Promotions tells CHSJ News there will be nearly 100 exhibitors displaying everything from home building and renovation products, landscaping and gardening to sports and recreation including motorcycles and marine Products.

Miller also says the "y" will be on hand to keep your children busy while you have a look around.

The hours are from 10 to 6 on Saturday and 10 to 4 on Sunday.

Superintendent Not Sure If Major Budget Cuts Are Coming

The Superintendent for School District 8 is unsure how the upcoming school budget will take shape.

Michael Butler tells CHSJ News there should be some savings from the planned amalgamation of districts but the province was also planning to cut another 2 percent from the budget.

He says that has yet to be made official.

He adds there is some good news -- he expects to be receiving more resources for early literacy and inclusion.

The budget will be revealed in a few weeks.

Fire Knocked Down In East Saint John

Some equipment is being released at the scene of a noon hour fire in an East Saint John industrial park.

Crews responding to a fire in the roof at Inteplast Bags and Film Corporation on Industrial Drive.

The fire has been knocked down.

City Fire Crews Battling Blaze at Industrial Park

Crews are on the scene at a fire in the Grandview Industrial Park at Inteplast Bags and Film Corporation on Industrial Drive.

The fire is in the roof area.

City police are doing traffic control in the area.

Snook Reoffers As Filing Deadline Aproaches

The field of candidates for Saint John is becoming clear as the deadline to file is at 2 o'clock today.

So far it's a four way race for Mayor with Ivan Court, Mel Norton, Matt Thompson and Joe Callaghan.
 
6 people are vying for the Councillors at Large positions:  Shelley Rinehart, John Campbell, Shirley McAlary, Mary Ellen Carpenter and Mike Sheppard.

Ward 3 incumbant Donnie Snook will be on the ballot after all and be campaigning against Christie Belyea, Allen Leslie, Patrick McCaffrey, Donna Reardon and a familliar name from years gone by-Albert Vincent.

Ward 1 incumbants Bill Farren and Peter McGuire would like their seats back, they will be battling Blake Armstrong, Ed Hoyt, Greg Norton and Al Vienneau.

Ward 2 has Susan Fullerton, Morgan Lanigan, John MacKenzie along with incumbants Patty Higgins and Gary Sullivan.

In East Saint John, four new faces hope to represent Ward 4: Mark Leblanc, David Merrithew, Ray Strowbridge and Scott Wadell.

Defamation Trial Told Pension Deficit Is Nearly Catastrophic

Former Common Councillor John Ferguson defends his comparison of Saint John's pension woes with those of San Diego which the Pension Board claims is defamatory.

Ferguson told the defamation trial the pension plan in San Diego was not properly funded and neither was Saint John's with the city not making its contributions in 2004 and 2005.
 
In San Diego there was a lawsuit launched by some of the pension plan members which resulted in a 178 million dollar settlement.
 
As for his reference to a desperate gambler, Ferguson says he was talking about Common Council transferring the financial burden of early retirements to the city's pension plan when it was tanking.
 
Ferguson also testified about a nasty meeting of Vision 2015 that was held.

Ferguson told the court then Pension Board member and Common Councillor Glen Tait didn't call him a scumbag at that meeting......That happened later during a Council meeting, but did tell him to bite his "arse".

Ferguson found out, just before that meeting, the Pension Board was told it would have to lower its rate of return assumption which would result in a significant increase in the pension's plan's deficit.
 
Ferguson also denies grandstanding, telling the jury he was concerned about the rising deficit with the pension plan which he says is now to the point of being catastrophic.